Former Strictly Come Dancing star gives verdict on new hosts

The actress, who lives in South Oxfordshire, is well known across the world for her roles in medical drama ER as well as sci-fi giant Doctor Who, in which she played River Song.

Ms Kingston took part in the 2025 series of Strictly Come Dancing, joining the line-up for the BBC One show’s most recent run.

The 62‑year‑old was partnered with professional dancer Johannes Radebe, with the pair performing routines including a Cha Cha to Ring My Bell and a Foxtrot to Here You Come Again.

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Alex Kingston with Johannes Radebe on Strictly Come Dancing. (Image: BBC / Guy Levy)

Ms Kingston and Mr Radebe made it into the later stages of the competition before being eliminated as the eighth couple to leave the 2025 series after a dance‑off.

Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman have since stepped down from fronting Strictly, ending their long‑running stint as the show’s main presenting duo.

In their place, the BBC has unveiled a new three‑person team of Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe and Mr Radebe as the hosts of Strictly Come Dancing from this autumn.

Ms Kingston has now reacted to the new trio, including seeing her own former professional partner landing one of the roles.

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Alex Kingston with Johannes Radebe on Strictly Come Dancing. (Image: Guy Levy / BBC / PA)

Speaking to the Oxford Mail on Thursday (June 18) ahead of the OUH Staff Recognition Awards 2026, she said: “Well, one of the hosts is Jojo, my dance partner, so I’m intrigued because I still can’t quite figure out what his role is.

“Even though Claude and Tess weren’t dancers, they had done it for so long that they knew the dances, they knew the disciplines.

“Whenever I completed a dance, just having Tess holding my hand was that incredible bridge between what you’ve just done and the judges’ comments.

“She was just amazing, and you felt she absolutely knew and understood what you’d been through, so I think they’re very, very big shoes to fill.”

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Alex Kingston with Johannes Radebe on Strictly Come Dancing. (Image: Kieron McCarron / BBC / PA)

Ms Kingston confirmed that the move to hire Johannes in the presenting role was a good decision given his close connection with those actually competing on the BBC show.

“And as a consequence, I think it’s a very good move to have someone like Johannes, who is a professional,” she added.

“He absolutely knows what the contestants have been going through and the dancers, so maybe his role will be to bridge that gap.”

Ms Kingston was speaking ahead of her hosting the OUH Staff Recognition Awards 2026 ceremony on Thursday night.

You can find more breakouts from our chat on the Oxford Mail, with the full interview released later this week.